Fletcher ready to break record

DUSTIN Fletcher doesn't play many bad AFL games, but when he does he still gets a rocket from his old man.

Simon Madden tonight will see Dustin Fletcher break his record for the most games for Essendon.

Fletcher will play his 379th match for Essendon in tonight's round-one clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

The athletic defender will break Simon Madden's club record of 378 and move into outright fourth on the league's all-time list.

Fletcher's father Ken is a former Essendon captain.

"He gives a good honest opinion on how I play," Dustin Fletcher said yesterday.

"He never beats around the bush and that's a good thing."

Madden says it's a tribute to Fletcher's ability to prepare himself mentally and physically each week that he can be still going at 38.

"He's been fantastic," Madden said.

Two full seasons including finals would push Fletcher in reach of Hawthorn great Michael Tuck's league record of 426 games.

"Michael Tuck's getting scared," Madden said.

What's even more remarkable about the 198cm beanpole Fletcher's longevity at the top level is he should be closing in on 400 games already, except he has been suspended for 20 matches during his career.

Tonight's game is also Essendon's first of the season and it's Mark Thompson's debut match as senior coach of the club.